Robbie Keane has admitted that he is shocked that manager Marcello Lippi was sacked from Inter Milan and believes that the players are as much to blame for the poor results as the manager is.

Inter plan on filling the vacancy as early as next Monday and already there have been a number of big names linked with the position.

While Robbie was bought by Inter president Massimo Moratti and not Lippi, still his future at the Italian club is uncertain. If the new manager does not fancy the way Keane plays he could end up sitting on the bench for the season even though Ronaldo and Vieri are still out.

Keane said: "I'm shocked by the news and I'm a bit disappointed because he was a good man who was good to me.

"It's not just his fault, we haven't played as well as we can. That was the case against Reggina last weekend, where we went 1-0 up but then fell away to lose 2-1.

"Now we've got to move on and concentrate on doing well in the league."

Moratti's reason for sacking Lippi was not all down to results - it was more to do with the fans losing faith in the coach.

Moratti said: "The Coach understood my reasons and I speak for the club. It was difficult for both of us. Lippi regretted the fact he couldn't obtain important results and really show what he can do.

"We mustn't forget that he's one of the greatest coaches of the moment. But something didn't work out with him and even the supporters, who I respect a lot, haven't forgiven him since he dismissed Baggio and blamed him for the very poor results".

"We'll have a new coach as early as Monday. I need somebody who can build up a united and tight-knit group, despite the fact it is made up of international players".